You, too, can be a CYclist.

I wish I could remember the first time I ever changed my bicycle's flat tire. Whenever that was, I’m sure I probably cursed, cried, and felt lost. The cursing hasn’t changed, but over the years, I’ve become significantly better at minor bicycle repairs, and hopefully, holding my shit together. 

I’ve also become better at changing my broken chains, squeaky brakes, and have been known to put on a new derailleur, pedals, racks, bottle cages, and more. Hardly any of these situations escaped without YouTube videos and “fuck” exhalations. 

I know a little bit more about bikes today than I used to, but I still don’t know the intricacies of a drive train, how exactly the shifting cables work, and what the fuck is the proper pronunciation of derailleur?! 

Don’t even get me started on the different vernacular for mountain bikes: 

What’s my travel?? I don’t know…hopefully far?

It took me so long to remember these terms and different names and numbers -- sometimes I still feel like I don’t -- but I also feel like that shouldn’t hold me back from calling myself a cyclist. Yeah, maybe I stand doe-eyed when someone asks me about the diameter of my chain ring, but no one is asking me, or anyone to prove ourselves, or to pass a test in order for you to get on a bicycle and ride. Or even just appreciate bicycles from afar. 

No one should be scoffing at you if your seat is too low and you’re not sure how to move it, or if your chain squeaks (but also, please lube your chain if it does). If someone does look at you in a scoffish manner, they are mostly just concerned for your happiness because riding a bike that isn’t comfortable or doesn’t work properly sucks. 

Please though, don’t let chipped-shouldered cyclists stop you from riding a bicycle. Trust me when I say that their lycra doesn’t mean that they are better, faster, or even less sweaty than you. It just means their crotch is in better eye-shot.  

Ignore them. They can have their fun, and when and if you’re ready, you can join in on nerding out about suspension and diameters, and maybe even try on some lycra. But, please don’t let that or them stop you from riding a bicycle. 

Just get on one and start pedaling, and you have absolutely earned the right to call yourself a cyclist. 

-RYB